This article was co-authored by Lisa Bryant, ND. Dr. Lisa Bryant is Licensed Naturopathic Physician and natural medicine expert based in Portland, Oregon. She earned a Doctorate of Naturopathic Medicine from the National College of Natural Medicine in Portland, Oregon and completed her residency in Naturopathic Family Medicine there in 2014.

There are 10 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page.

Occasional or chronic constipation is an annoying, uncomfortable condition. If you suffer from constipation, you might be curious if alternative treatments like aromatherapy can help relieve your symptoms. In fact, there is evidence that massaging your abdomen with essential oils is a helpful aromatherapy treatment for constipation. A few other treatments are less successful, but they can improve your mood while you wait for your symptoms to pass. Aromatherapy isn’t a replacement for eating enough fiber, drinking plenty of fluids, and exercising regularly, which are proven treatments for constipation.[1]XTrustworthy SourceMayo ClinicEducational website from one of the world's leading hospitalsGo to source However, combined with these lifestyle treatments, aromatherapy could be an effective remedy for constipation symptoms.

Steps

Method 1 of 2:

Massaging Yourself with Essential Oils

Aromatherapy is most effective against constipation when paired with an abdominal massage. The massage helps stimulate bowel movements while the aromas reduce your stress and improve your mood. Combined, these 2 actions show some success in relieving constipation. There’s no harm in trying it, so see if an essential oil massage works for you. Remember to support this treatment by eating enough fiber and drinking plenty of fluids to improve your symptoms.

Get diluted lavender, lemon, rosemary, or peppermint essential oils. Research shows that these oil types are most effective for treating constipation. You can use them individually or mixed together for an essential oil blend.[2]XTrustworthy SourcePubMed CentralJournal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of HealthGo to source

Essential oils diluted to 3% are safe for use on your skin. Either buy oils that are already diluted or dilute it yourself.

Since essential oils aren’t regulated by the FDA, make sure you only buy from reputable manufacturers. Search online and make sure the producer doesn’t have any complaints or violations on record.

Dilute the oil to 3% if it’s undiluted. Never use undiluted oils on your skin because this can cause irritation. If the oil is undiluted, squeeze 4 oil drops into a teaspoon of olive oil for a 3% dilution.[3]XTrustworthy SourcePubMed CentralJournal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of HealthGo to source

You can also use a different carrier oil to dilute the oil, like jojoba.

Pull up your shirt and expose your stomach. Roll your shirt up so it’s just above the bottom of your ribcage. Make sure it’s out of the way, because oils can stain your clothing.[4]XTrustworthy SourcePubMed CentralJournal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of HealthGo to source

Massage your abdomen with oils for 10 minutes. Lay back, squeeze some oil onto your hands, and massage your stomach in a circular motion from right to left.[5]XTrustworthy SourcePubMed CentralJournal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of HealthGo to source

If you’ve been constipated, then your abdomen may be tender. Don’t press too hard, and only use as much pressure as you’re comfortable with.

Inhale as you’re massaging yourself. The aromas can help release your stress and improve your constipation symptoms.[6]XTrustworthy SourcePubMed CentralJournal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of HealthGo to source

Repeat the treatment daily. Studies show that daily aromatherapy can improve constipation within 1-2 weeks, so be consistent and repeat the massage every day.[7]XTrustworthy SourcePubMed CentralJournal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of HealthGo to source

If you still see no improvement within a week or two, then you should talk to your doctor.

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Method 2 of 2:

Using Other Aromatherapy Techniques

Other forms of aromatherapy aren’t as effective as an abdominal massage. However, there is no harm in trying a few additional treatments to see if they help. They might not directly treat constipation, but they can relieve your stress and anxiety, which could get your bowels moving again. Aromatherapy also helps boost your mood, which can be a big help when you’re feeling constipated. As before, make sure you pair aromatherapy with plenty of fiber and water to support your digestive system at the same time.

Soak in a bath with diluted essential oils. A warm bath is a known treatment for constipation, and adding a 2-3 drops of essential oil to the water could provide a more therapeutic effect. Soak and inhale the scents for 15-20 minutes to loosen your bowels.[8]XResearch source

You could also massage your abdomen while you’re in the bath. This can help your bowls move.

Massage your feet with oils to reduce stress. Applying pressure to your feet is known as reflexology. More research is needed to establish how effective it is, but since it helps reduce stress, it could improve your constipation.[9]XTrustworthy SourceUniversity of Minnesota Earl E. Bakken Center for Spirituality & HealingInterdisciplinary health center focused on conducting research and providing interprofessional education related to health and wellnessGo to source

Since you’ll be using the oils on your skin, make sure they’re diluted.

You could also visit a professional reflexologist for a more comprehensive treatment.

Diffuse essential oils throughout the room to improve your mood. While not directly related to constipation, using aromatherapy in your home can relieve stress and anxiety. This could help relieve your constipation symptoms.[10]XTrustworthy SourcePubMed CentralJournal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of HealthGo to source

You can either use a diffuser that sprays oils periodically, or reeds that absorb and spread the aromas.

You don’t have to dilute essential oils if you’re only using them for aromas.

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Medical Takeaways

By far the most effective aromatherapy treatment for constipation is a daily abdominal massage. This can help stimulate your bowels and relieve your symptoms. Other aromatherapy treatments are less effective, but they can help boost your mood and make you feel better while you wait for your symptoms to improve. Most importantly, remember that aromatherapy won’t work on its own. You still need to eat enough fiber, drink plenty of water, and stay active to support your digestive health. If your constipation doesn’t improve within a week, then talk to your doctor for further treatment.

About This Article

This article was co-authored by Lisa Bryant, ND. Dr. Lisa Bryant is Licensed Naturopathic Physician and natural medicine expert based in Portland, Oregon. She earned a Doctorate of Naturopathic Medicine from the National College of Natural Medicine in Portland, Oregon and completed her residency in Naturopathic Family Medicine there in 2014.

The content of this article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, examination, diagnosis, or treatment. You should always contact your doctor or other qualified healthcare professional before starting, changing, or stopping any kind of health treatment.